£400 best starter camera? Help

[callywally18]

Afternoon All!

Looking to start getting into taking some 'proper' photos, and there's only so much you can do with a blackberry camera ! (iPhone fell down the loo)

I have no idea when it comes to different types of cameras, i wont embarrass myself by trying to name a few different types!

I have a very basic knowledge of photoshop as well, when it comes to editing.

The type of photography i would be interested in would be cars and landscapes, and the occasional one of the pup, people bore me. (dont know if this makes a difference to the camera choice?)

So just after a bit of help on which kind of camera to go for which will not confuse the hell out of me but still is not going to be limiting.

Price wise around £400/500

Thanks!

[MysteryLemon]

IF you're wanting to get into photography seriously then you'll be wanting to buy a DSLR really.

Something entry level like a Nikon D3200 will be within budget but be a good starter and you can upgrade the body and lenses as you go. Entry level DSLRs still have full auto modes but also have more advanced A, S and M modes for you to learn as you go.

You could also look at mirrorless cameras (same image quality and capabilities as a DSLR but generally in a smaller package). Micro 4/3 from Panasonic and Olympus is a great system with cameras like the Lumix G5/G6 but other manufacturers also offer great cameras within budget such as Fuji, Samsung, Sony etc.

If you just want to be able to take better pictures than what your phone can but don't have any interest in learning how a camera works and just want something smallish you can carry around easily without having to worry about lenses etc, there's plenty of larger sensor, higher end compact cameras about. You'll be able to get an MK1 or MK2 Sony RX100 in budget (maybe even new if you can find someone with one still in stock) or there's plenty of others similar and well within budget like the Panasonic Lumix LX7, Pentax MX-1, Olympux XZ-2 etc.

Edited by MysteryLemon on Sunday 10th August 14:28

[nick heppinstall]

Have a look at this :

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/9495/Pentax-K-50-...

Great little camera. The standard 18-55 is also a very nice lens for a kit...

[derricky]

I'd say go with the Nikon D3200

[nick heppinstall]

derricky said:

I'd say go with the Nikon D3200

Why would you go with the 3200 over the K50 ?

[Teocali]

nick heppinstall said:

derricky said:

I'd say go with the Nikon D3200

Why would you go with the 3200 over the K50 ?

As someone in the same position 2 months ago I went for the Nikon 3200.

I mainly chose the Nikon due to knowing more people with one (helps no end with settings...) and I couldn't find a poor write up.

Link below for the set I purchased:
http://tinyurl.com/mlzxgno

I can't comment on the K50 vs 3200 but as a (complete) beginner I have found the 3200 very simple to use and I'm pretty happy with the photos to date. Complete change from the LUMIX I'm used to using quality wise.

[MysteryLemon]

nick heppinstall said:

Why would you go with the 3200 over the K50 ?

Nothing wrong with the K50 at all but there are plenty of reasons to go for the Nikon over the Pentax. Better selection of lenses, better second hand market for lenses and accessories, better 3rd party support for accessories and lenses, better scope for upgrading in the future, better support through forums...

Out of the two, I would buy the Nikon. For the price they are these days, you would be silly not to if you are looking for an entry level DSLR. For a beginner wanting to get into more serious photography, they are perfect.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5...

^D3200

http://slrhut.co.uk/product/ID1387C5/google?mkwid=...

^ D5200 - thats a good little bundle for a more advanced camera.

Edited by MysteryLemon on Monday 11th August 09:43

[nick heppinstall]

I can see where you are coming from but for me personally I prefer the Pentax. I currently have a K5. I did the whole Nikon, Pentax, Canon thing and had a good feel at all three.

The Pentax just felt right in my hands so I would at least recommend handling all before purchase.

The Pentax also has a decent range of lenses although granted not as vast as Nikon.

[MysteryLemon]

nick heppinstall said:

The Pentax just felt right in my hands so I would at least recommend handling all before purchase.

Only Pentax DSLR I've owned (do own an MX-1 currently) is the K20d. Must admit, it was lovely to hold. Really solid with a perfect handgrip.

[FussyFez]

Seriously consider second hand.

For £400 I got a Canon 600d plus 18-55mm plus 55-250mm all mint condition (the camera came in its original box with the manual etc all still sealed in plastic) then £28 for a decent SD card.


Check out www.mpbphotographic.co.uk I can highly recommend them.

[nick heppinstall]

Fixed your link Josh.

[FussyFez]

nick heppinstall said:

Fixed your link Josh.

Thanks Nick.

[Simpo Two]

I have a spare D200 body which could be secured for £170. It's hardly new tech but the only important difference is that performance falls off over ISO800. It would leave you £230 for one or maybe two lenses.

[rich85uk]

I was in a similar boat and went down the pentax route and got the K50 after a fair amount of research. The main advantage over something like a D3200 was weather sealed ( it's coming to SE Asia with me and it got soaked at Le Mans) it has a few features that canon and nikon reserve for there more expensive mid range cameras, good low light performance and it will take any old pentax k mount lens, I got a fantastic old k mount zoom for £20:
www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-M-80-2...

The advantage of a nikon/canon is they share something like 90% of the market so there are hundreds more lenses and accessories

All entry level DSLR's will take fantastic pictures, your best bet is seeing what feels best in your hand, for me it was the pentax but the D3200 felt nice just abit too small

[Rib]

I went through similar to you when I was upgrading from my D40x as a hobby. At the time the Nikon D3200 and 5200 had just come out, so I then looked tah the 3100 and 5100 as I couldn't see a big enough difference between the upgrades to warrant the extra.

I had planned to go cheap and cheerful and pick the 3100, but in the end went for the 5100 for the better video recording and the swivelly screen, which tbh has been great at times when you don't want to get on the floor or taking shots from high up. I am now selling mine and upgrading again to a d7100 as I need something aimed slightly more at professional use.

I've always been happy with my Nikons, great range of lenses, often have cash back offers at Christmas so can get some great deals on new lenses, very easy to use and learn, but saying that I'm sure the others are aswell, but when I tried a canon it just didn't feel right to me, other people will be the opposite. Go and try a couple for size and see how they feel to use.